Document Type
Article
Subject Area(s)
Public Health
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to promote physical activity in 6th graders by developing and testing the feasibility of an enhanced Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) program comprised of a peer leadership component and innovative exercise resource toolkit including DVDs. Methods: A racially/ethnically diverse sample of students received the standard PALA program (2 control schools, n = 61) or enhanced PALA+Peers program (2 intervention schools, n = 87) during 2006-2007 academic year. Results: Compared with the control condition, the intervention was successful in increasing moderate physical activity in all students (P = .02) and moderate and hard physical activity among girls (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). Teachers and students reported a high level of satisfaction and receptivity with the intervention. All teachers thought the DVDs were well-received, and 87% of students reported that they would recommend the enhanced program to peers. Conclusion: Coupling peer leadership with DVDs that promote physical activity may be an effective way to increase youth physical activity.
Publication Info
Published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 9, Issue 4, 2012, pages 492-499.
Rights
Barr-Anderson, D. J., Laska, M. N., Veblen-Mortenson, S., Farbakhsh, K., Dudovitz, B., & Story, M. (2012). A school-based, peer leadership physical activity intervention for 6th graders: Feasibility and results of a pilot study. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(4), 492-499.
© Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2012, Human Kinetics